Our Team

I’m a 7th generation Frizell from a property out past Wollomombi. In my 20s I suffered from a severe, chronic case of itchy feet that led me down to Wagga through vet school and then around the world for work and play. Once my frontal lobe fused I began to see why my family chose to live in this area for so long, and the idea of sinking some roots became more exhilarating than terrifying (only just!). I returned home after the Australian border opened from covid, and since then I’ve renovated an almost 100 year old house which I now call home. You’ll see me at my most happiest when I get to work with large and small animals in my working day, and in my spare time I love to be on the family farm and hike with my whippet wherever I can.

For as long as I could remember I’ve adored animals, I grew up riding horses and competing in pony club and horse sports events during high school.

During school holidays you’d find me at my grandparents farm helping look after the dogs boarding at the kennels they owned, during this time I was also involved with their rehoming program which led to my own group of odd balls that I convinced my parents I needed.

I completed my Certificate ll in Animals Studies during high school and Certificate lll after graduating, I am currently studying my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I’ve been extremely fortunate to be learning from an amazing and supportive group of people during my studies.

I’m currently enjoying my life on the farm with my Jack Russell and talented crew of working dogs, I’m extremely excited to see where this journey will take me.

Emma was born and bred in Armidale, spending her whole school career at local schools and finally leaving town to pursue further study in Brisbane.  It was here at the University of Queensland that she completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and graduated with honours in 2005.  Her first post was at Dorrigo, NSW doing 80% large animal in a mixed practice (mostly dairy and beef cattle) where she stayed for 2 years and met her husband Josh.  They then moved to Armidale where they have settled and have two daughters, two dachshunds, too many sheep and a multitude of other animals.

Emma’s special interests are behaviour, reconstructive surgery and medicine.

Robin Cameron is a sixth generation Armidalian and a descendant of the McLennan family from Kilcoy and Scots Corner near Wollomombi.  After leaving school at PLC Armidale she started as a working pupil at the NEGS Riding School where she remained for over 30 years rising to the position of Director.  Robin rode her horse to work and home again each day until she was old enough to get her driver’s licence.

While working at NEGS Robin had two trips to England to gain qualifications (not then available in Australia) as a riding instructor and in stud management.  She has been a member of the Armidale Horse and Pony Club since 1963 and has represented the Club, Zone and State on many occasions in riding, show jumping and eventing.  She also competed in the Melbourne to Sydney Harness marathon in 1987 and has competed successfully in many horse endurance rides including the Shazada 400km ride.  She was nominated as Zonta Woman of the Year in 1992 and in 2006 received the Armidale Service to Sport Award.  In 2010 and 2014 she was voted Zone 13 Pony Club Volunteer of the year and in 2016 was awarded life membership of Armidale Horse and Pony Club.  She is currently coach for the armidale Branch of Riding for the Disabled.  On leaving NEGS, Robin began part-time employment with the Dangar Street Veterinary Clinic and in May 2006 became a permanent member of staff.  Robin seems to know and be known by almost everyone in town.  She is married to Lyall and they have one daughter, Rebecca.

Growing up on a small farm in the Bellinger valley, my childhood was spent surrounded by dogs, chickens, cattle, horses, and deer which left me with no doubt I wanted to work with animals. During High School I completed a Cert II in Animal Studies at TAFE before moving to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Zoology at the University of New England. In the final year of university, I was able to travel to the Tiwi Islands to assist Vets in a dog health program, which reinforced my love for working with domestic animals. After graduating, I decided to undertake my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing which I have now completed and am thrilled to be doing something I love. I now live permanently in Uralla with my partner, two dogs, and a cat (although many more pets are planned).

I grew up in a semi rural village – Brushgrove between Grafton and Maclean where I could always be found with the family animals. Who needed dolls when I had living toys.

My work history has included, in order from leaving school:-
Admin/Reception, Banking, Telecom, Construction/Surveying, Bar Work, Tourism, Bar Work, Banking/Finance/Lending, Reception, Vet Nursing/Accounts/Management, Boarding Housemother.

I have a great interest in caring for children, volunteer work with Armidale RSPCA, renovating and exercise.

Our house is a work in progress. It is hard to work around numerous cats and dogs in care.
We have 4 dogs and 4 cats of our own. All but one of the dogs have been in care with us and never left.

My own children have gone back to their state of birth – Qld.
This is my 22nd year in Armidale. I would never have thought I would stay in one place so long. I obviously love this town and the many great friends and acquaintances I have made.

I grew up on a small sheep and cattle property just outside of Uralla. working on a farm from a young age I always knew I would work with animals. After school I moved to Orange where I studied Equine business management and worked with horses in eventing and also the racing industry.

Once my degree was completed I moved to Sydney and started my nursing career. Working at The Animal Referral Hospital for many years I gained an incredible amount of knowledge in emergency care.

After 12 years of veterinary nursing in Sydney, my family and I decided it was time to move home and settle into a country life.

Having grown up surrounded by animals I have developed a special connection with them which undoubtedly led me to know that I wanted to work with them from a young age. During high school I completed my Certificate II in Animal Studies and have recently graduated from TAFE with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. During my studies I completed my work placement at New England Vet Services and feel as though I have truly found my passion for caring and working with animals. I have owned corgis all my life and currently have three – Makka, Mickey and Bonnie. I look forward to continuing this paw-some journey and fulfilling my love and passion for animals.

Having had pets all my life I have grown to love animals and adore caring for them, I started showing cattle at 14 and grew a passion for the show ring and being able to present cattle at their best, riding horses from a young age I found myself always wanting to know more about them. During my senior years at high school I completed my Cert II in Animal Studies and continued with my vet nursing journey fresh out of school and have been so lucky to be part of such an amazing team that I enjoy my time with every time Im in the clinic. I am exited to continue my journey in the veterinary industry and see what the future has in store.

Robbo is a permanent resident of the clinic and most people will see (or hear) him welcome them when they arrive. He has a special relationship with Robin, though fancies pretty much anyone who will feed him.

Often found lazing about on the front desk trying to knock the lid off the treat container, or posing on the scales. Robbo is a vocal and friendly member of the team (though we question his productivity at times). He has regular special visitors that come in just for him, and when outside you can often see him wearing his hi-vis vest for safety.

Robbo is exceptionally tolerant of being dressed and on special occasions you will often find him wearing outfits and hats to help celebrate various holidays.